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Physical form of matter –
solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.
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State (phase) depends on how
much heat is in the material.
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All matter is made up of constantly
moving particles.
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With more heat, particles move faster and
farther apart.
Solid
Liquid
Gas
Definite volume.
 Definite shape.
 Tightly packed.
 Particles vibrate
in place.
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Definite volume.
 Indefinite shape.
 Particles are packed,
but slide past each
other.
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Cohesion:
Liquid particles
stick to each
other.
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Adhesion:
Liquid particles
stick to another
object.
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Force that causes liquids to
form round (spherical) drops.
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Indefinite volume.
Indefinite shape.
Particles are far apart
and move freely.
Particles spread out to
fill their container.
Can be compressed.
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Ionized (electrically
charged) gas.
Indefinite volume.
Indefinite shape.
Conducts electricity.
Most common state of
matter in the universe.
Examples: Lightning, fire,
fluorescent bulbs.